We know how hard it is to get away for a break when you are a working carer.

Even if you can get respite care for your loved one, you may still have pets at home that need looking after, too.

Sometimes, it feels like it is just not worth the hassle trying to organise everything.

But a service we have come across might make the pet care part of your dilemma a little easier.

Your pampered pooch can still get his cuddles, daily walk and favourite treats or your kitty can snuggle up on her favourite blanket on someone else’s lounge.

How does it work?

PetHomeStay matches you with a pet carer in your area. The service can be for an afternoon, a day, a week or a month and longer. Animals may need to be tick and flea protected, wormed and vaccinated.

You can look up pet sitters and you can also register to become a pet sitter – which may be a great stay-at-home job if you love animals and have the time to do it.

The PetHomeStay web site is easy to navigate.

Search: browse for loving, trusted pet sitters near you.

Book: Arrange to meet, then book a home stay at their house or yours.

Relax: You will get text and photo updates during your pet’s stay. Pet accident insurance is included.

Hosts are all pet lovers and you can see reviews, ratings and photos of them and their home, as well as meeting them beforehand, to make sure they will be suitable. PetHomeStay interviews every listed host.

There are pet sitters all across Australia. Obviously capital cities like Sydney have the most, but some regional areas are represented, too.

Rates vary but around $35 a day seems common. There are also rates of around $15 for drop-in visits or dog walks.

Some pet sitters will come to your house to look after your animals, so that is another option to consider.